1969 Merlyn Mk 11A Formula Ford

Description

This pristine Merlyn 11A has had an almost complete professional restoration. The history of
the car is known since nearly new. The car has it's original dash plaque. The owner had been racing the
car in club racing and decided to perform a complete restoration for historic racing. That restoration
is nearly complete and the owner has lost interest in racing. The bodywork is fitted but is in primer.
The car is plumbed but need some wiring and guage work but is otherwise complete. With a few weeks of
work it would be a stunning example of the marque. The car could be completed for the new owner with
paint work to specification for an additional fee.

The restoration work was performed by a well-known Eastern prep shop well versed in formula cars.
The car was completely disassembled and every componenent renewed or
replaced. The original chassis was considered too damaged to economically repair so a complete new
chassis to original specification was commissioned by Curtis Unlimited of California. New bodywork was
obtained from the U.S. CRD distributor. All suspension components were replated, the gearbox gone through,
and a fresh engine installed. Aircraft hardware was used throughout and all bearings replaced. Rod ends
were replaced as needed. The engine is an uprated built by a front running U.S. Nationals team who
successfully built thier own engines. The car sits on the proper steel wheels with fresh Dunlops.

History

Colchester Racing Developments (CRD), the constructors of the Merlyn line of race cars, were able to
dominate the first full year of Formula Ford in 1968, due in no small part to Tim Shenken's string of
33 wins from 38 starts. The 1968 Mk11 was a little modified Mk10 F3, adapted to the brand new Formula.
The 1969 Mk 11A was a productionized version with a value-engineered smaller windscreen and slightly
simpler bodywork. The 11A continued to dominate in the '69 season and made a name for the marqu which
persisted into the early 70s. It is safe to say that the Merlyn is definitely the weapon of choice for
pre-70 Historic Formula Ford. Incidentally, the constructor, CRD, in still in operation and provides
spares for the older models.

This car was imported to the U.S. when new. The first 2 or three owners are known. It has apparently
raced continuously in the U.S. Northeast until the current restoration was begun several years ago.

Recent Competition History

SCCA Club Ford, RCCA

Engine

Ford Kent 1600cc. Uprated

Built by a front-running team who did thier own engines

zero time

proper Merlyn header

Fuel System

new fuel cell

Oil/Water System

all new lines

aluminum radiator to original shape

original front oil tank with Merlyn cap and catch tank

Electrical System

wiring needs to be completed

Gearbox

Hewland Mk8, completely gone through

Final Drive

Hewland in unit with gearbox

Body

all new fibreglass panels including integral nose and cockpit cowling, undertray, and tail cover